America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
Product Code
LW-10071
Brand
Adventure Cycling Association
Price
$49.95
By Michael McCoy and Greg Siple.
This beautiful hardbound coffee table book, with its generous 12” x 10.5” page size, presents an overview of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail: its colorful and complex history, the wondrously diverse geography and ecological zones it visits, and the people and places found along the way. Features over 400 photos from 50 different photographers, along with dozens of great stories from and about individuals who have ridden the trail over the past 40 years. The author/editors uncovered a treasure trove of images, stories, and anecdotes, some of which had been hidden in boxes for decades. Also relates the story of how Bikecentennial nearly disappeared after 1976, but instead grew to become the 50,000-member Adventure Cycling Association; and takes a look at other bicycle trails and networks, both here and abroad. Anyone who spends time with this book will understand why people choose to bicycle across America—and may even be inspired to do it themselves.
Hb. 204 pp.
International customers: Due to weight, shipping for this item is $45 to Canada/Mexico and $59 for all other international destinations - please acknowledge approval of this charge when placing the order in comments box
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I rode the whole Trans Am in 1976, and the book brought back many great memories. The book gives a great discription of Bikecentennial, including it's history, and susequent transistion to Adventure Cycling. I started out riding cross country totally oblivious to what lay ahead, which may have been a good thing, especially after learning that the total gains in elevation of the route totals close to 208,000 feet (about 39 miles). This book is a great way to entice many more people to go on a life changing adventure that they will never forget.
Wonderful book!
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Christian Strupp on 11/4/21
A really wonderful book. I hope I will find the time and opportunity to ride at least a part of the trail.
A trip down memory lane!
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Kent Bauman on 10/8/21
Beautifully done book that enabled me to relive some of my experiences riding coast-to-coast as an independent rider in 1976 when I was 18. I took lots of pictures but the film was destroyed by getting wet during my last 3 days of riding in the rain in Oregon. I left Yorktown at the same time as "Fast Al's" fast trans-am group, but fell behind until I finally caught them in Yellowstone as they took a few days off while one of their riders was recovering from an accident.
I appreciated reading about the history of trans-am bikers and the development of the route by the BikeCenntenial founders.
East to West But Still Very Happy
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BentJay on 11/6/20
We gave this book to our son, Elliot who rode the TransAm in 2013 from the west coast to the east. His friend, David insisted on riding it exactly as per the maps so, other than the fact that the route description is 'backwards', Elliot is very happy at the fond memories the book prompts. He's planning on sending a copy to David...
America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
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Fred Miller on 10/24/18
Excellent coffee table book. It was a gift to myself. Using it for a little day dream material. You folks did a nice job with all the information and photos contained in it.
Thank you.
TransAmerican Book
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Marty Strawn on 1/6/18
This is a great book I did this trip in 1980 and have bought 6 for Christmas gifts for my grown kids and 2 friends one who did the trip in 1981. My kids have heard me tell stories my whole life about this life changing trip and now they have the book on on this trial thank you Adventure Cycling ??
America's Bicycle Route
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Wayne Chmelik on 5/1/17
This is a book of dreams. A way of looking back on my own cross continental trip in 1976. The photos, the stories, maps and names of places brought me back to one of the high points of my life. It will always have a special place in my home. Thank you for adding to my memories.
America's Bicycle Route
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Wally on 3/6/17
Very interesting!
America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
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Eddie Jayne on 1/3/17
History, Inspiration, Feel Good Stories, Outstanding Pictures, Maps - This book has it all.
Christmas gift.
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Bob Schwarz 12/21/16 on 12/21/16
I'm getting it for Christmas, so I haven't seen it yet. I did the Trans Am Trail back in 1977 and looking forward to reading it cover to cover.
TransAmerica book
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Tom Young on 12/19/16
It is apparently Christmas gift that I am not suppose to know about! Something for me to look forward to!
America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Route
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Jean Dukes on 12/5/16
Magnificent book. A work of art in itself. And what a thrill it is to read accounts of others who have shared this life changing adventure. Thank you, Adventure Cycling on so many levels!
America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
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Dennis Schluter on 10/17/16
I'd like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those involved in compiling and publishing this magnificent book. It is both a wonderful history of Bikecentennial and the TransAm Trail. The photographs; stories and route descriptions are all superb, but as always with Adventure Cycling, it is the maps which always intrigue me. I found the article on their evolution fascinating.
I don't know exactly what I was doing in 1976. It was a time when I was at a loose end but alas, here in Australia, I was unaware of the event itself. Perhaps had I known about it I would have participated, perhaps not. I do know that I am filled with envy of those who did.
I have since twice cycled across the US (the Norther Tier in 1991) and a combination of the Southern Tier/Grand Canyon Connector/Western Express in 2012, but am yet to do so on the TransAm. It is still on my to do list.
I have devoured the book from cover to cover, and will now revisit it and savor it page by page in a much more leisurely manner.
Once again, many thanks.
America's Bicycle Route - The Story of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
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G. Rae Van Sluys on 8/9/16
Totally Awesome, DITTO on all other 5-star comments! I haven't even read it cover to cover b/c so many friends and co-workers are "borrowing" it to read and share, and with every return receive rave reviews! So am looking forward to some quality time with this amazing tome. Special thanks to the "Companions Wanted" advertising in the ACA magazine that prompted me to participate in part of a loaded ride to the 40th Anniversary celebratory event in Missoula!
Transamerica book
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Tom Greeley on 8/7/16
Outstanding in every way. Well written and each state documented accurately. Beautiful pictures. A fantastic chronicle of an amazing summer in time. Thank you.
Transamerica book
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Tom Greeley on 8/7/16
Outstanding in every way. Well written and each state documented accurately. Beautiful pictures. A fantastic chronicle of an amazing summer in time. Thank you.
Delcious
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Sue Carroll on 7/28/16
This book is put together so beautifully - the layout, the photos, the well written articles about the trail. We found photos and tales we could relate to as Bikecentennial riders. However, it's not just for those who rode the trail--but it will inspire you to get on the bike and find your trail!
A piece of history
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Chris Jones on 6/22/16
Not just for the original bike centennial riders- anyone who has cycled this route will appreciate the history, anecdotes, and of course the memorable photos.
More Than a "Coffee Table" Book!
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Christian Shaeffer on 6/13/16
Steeped in both history and rich details of the Ride, this book is a joy to read. And I have to admit, although it's a coffee table picture book, I found myself reading it cover to cover! keep pedaling!
Wonderlust or memories, its an awesome book
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Andy on 6/9/16
Having dreamt of cycling the TransAm for years and finally doing so back in the summer of 2013 I was stoked to hear about the ACA putting this book together, and even more so when I was told I would feature in it (LookMumNoCar.co.uk)! It brings back some truly amazing memories and fills me with even more wonderlust for my next trip. It is very well put together and has far more info then just the TransAm in it. Shipping is pricey to the UK due to the size of the book, but worth every penny. Great job guys and can't wait for you to do a similar one for the Great Divide...
America's Bicycle Route
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Ken Edmonds on 6/1/16
Great book for any cross-country cyclist or wanna-be, but a special keep sake for those who did the original Bikecentennial 76 ride. High quality, lots of pictures and well done. Nice job!!
A great read
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Joseph O'Keefe on 5/26/16
What a wonderful job the editors and contributors have done in compiling this book. Highlight of my day for the last two weeks has been reading a few more pages and looking at the great photos. A real treasure for the future
Gift to Touring Friends
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Ray Hanson on 5/19/16
I gave the book to a Swiss couple that rode the TransAm on their honeymoon in 2001. They were thrilled to relive their first cross country tour of America through the pictures and text of this well designed book. The authors should receive awards for this book, it is that well done.
Great Read!
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Todd Logan on 5/16/16
I just finished really this delightful book. It's chock full of history, great stories, great photos (old and new), and most surprisingly, natural history! I plan to ride the Great Divide this year. Now I guess I'm going to have to ride the TransAmerica too (2017!!!)
AMERICA'S BICYCLE ROUTE
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BERNARD HALPIN on 5/12/16
THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ALL BIKE TRAVELERS/BIKE CAMPERS AND ENTHUSIASTS. IT IS DEFINITELY A 'COFFEE TABLE' BOOK FOR ALL TO PERUSE! BUT KEEP A TOW CHAIN LOCKED ON TO IT OR IT'LL TAKE A TRIP BY ITSELF. MANY COULDN'T TAKE THIS TRIP IN 1976 BUT NOW WE CAN VICARIOUSLY DO IT OR START ON IT NOW. GREAT BOOK AND I'LL CHECK IT OUT OFTEN. I REALLY ENJOY THAT IT IS BROKEN INTO ACA MAP STAGES.
Its all about the journey...
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Schmidty on 5/12/16
Awesome coffee table book for any cyclist who loves touring! I bought this for friends who both have ridden the XC trans-america trail a few times starting in '78. I am sure they will love it! My daughter rode the Jackson Hole to Eugene, OR portion as few years back now with a few friends as part of an Adventure Cycling self-contained tour. An awesome trip for them as well. A super book to be enjoyed by some "lifers" of touring, as well as others who love to ride.
Somewhat not as expected
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FRED WERDA on 5/9/16
Original solo cyclist summer of '76 and two additional crossings 2002 and 2006. Book was not what I envisioned as I expected most of the book to focus on 1976. There are many pictures, etc. of the original crossing but one item lacking is map coverage of the original routing for 1976. Also, management issues at Missoula seemed to be largely omitted.
A Great Book -- Full of History & Memories
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Frank Moritz on 5/4/16
I worked for many years updating the Tours Department's supporting documents for its TransAm tours, and I led the 2007 self-contained TransAm tour. This beautiful book brought back many wonderful memories of my own tour, and provided a wealth of detail about the history of Adventure Cycling that I had not previously known. The TransAm is the "mother route" that revived bicycle touring in the U.S., and also was the starting poitn for our organization, and this book will stand as the definitive work on its history.
Comprehensive History of the Bicycle Routing System
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Myrna Rafalovich on 5/4/16
I think the new book is outstanding. I have purchased 8 copies and see more in the future. I think it would be great if there could be a book signing session at the Friday and Saturday night events in July at the U of M.
Relive One Of The Best Summers Of Your Life!
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Dan Grandel on 5/3/16
This book is undoubtedly the capstone of celebrating 40 years of the
TransAmerica bicycle trail. It covers the route from A to Z. No stone is left
unturned. The history of bicycle touring, the geography of the bicycle route
and the struggles that were overcome to bring the summer of 1976 to its
ultimate celebration are described in detail. And then it continues with the
post 1976 scramblings to see if Bikecentennial would live or die. The story
proceeds to tell of the organization's ultimate maturing into today's
Adventure Cycling Association. The entire story is here in prose and
beautiful photos.
The book itself is a work of art. Large format, glossy pages and superb
construction.
If you have ridden the TransAmerica bicycle route, as I have, this book belongs in your library. Relive the best summer of your life. Get a copy!
You won't be sorry!
Great photos, Great stories, Great Book
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Tom Chapin on 5/3/16
This book is a wonderful look at Bikcentennial, ACA and bicycle touring in general. The graphics and photography are beautiful, it's like thumbing through 203 pages of a National Geographic devoted solely to the world of bicycle touring. I am very happy I have a copy to look at again and again for entertainment and inspiration.
TrAns America
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Leon matz on 5/3/16
Great stories and beautiful pictures!
A Must Have For All Cyclists!
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Dreux DeMack on 4/15/16
As one of those cyclists who rode in the original Bikecentennial 76 event in 1976, I am so thrilled to see the Trans Am Bicycle Route featured so wonderfully in this new book by the Adventure Cycling Association. It is a work of art literally and so compelling a collection of history, features about the route and the people who have taken to the road to experience this cycling gem. America's Bicycle Route will inspire you to pack up and head out on this coast to coast ride, half of which I am proud to say I have cycled. Get this book and learn about what has drawn thousands of people to its marvelous cycling opportunities and see how Michael McCoy and the Adventure Cycling Association has produced a one of a kind book that you'll treasure forever.
